Expert: Andre Hickman - 6/6/2008

Question
My 14 year old son for the last two years has been talking of wanting to learn 3d animation. While I kind of know the general description, I cant help him. I can provide him with what is needed or guide him if I am given the path to take. He is a good artist. I want to know if this is a passing phase or an interest here to stay. So if you can adv me as to how he begins and where, and the course forward to take. Thanks for your help in advance. Rgds


Answer
The Software that I tell people to start with to see if they like 3D animation is a program called Poser. It has changed companies many times since I first used it, but it has definitely gotten much better, to the point that I wouldn't be surprised if someone started sneaking it's content in on some blockbuster movies soon!

It will enable him to dive right into character animation, without the need to build characters from scratch, or rig them with the necessary bones, etc.  He will be able to play with lighting, cameras, props, clothing, etc. to set up scenes for still art, as well as animation.  The website for the latest version of Poser is here:

http://my.smithmicro.com/win/poser/index.html

Trust me, at around $250 for the latest version (or if you can find an old version somewhere cheaper), it is the best way to go, to see if his passion is real, and give him a chance to dive into 3D without getting utterly frustrated.

Cheers,
Andre'